He Māhuri Tōtara

Inspiring and equipping young people to become agents of environmental change

He Māhuri Tōtara seeks to inspire and equip young people to become agents of change in their communities and in the world, promoting environmental stewardship and care as part of their Christian faith in the unique context of Aotearoa

He Māhuri Tōtara Programme

He Māhuri Tōtara is A Rocha’s core Christian environmental leadership development programme that we offer to Eco Churches. The programme explores the unique environmental challenges and opportunities of our world and the biblical imperative to care for creation in the unique context of Aotearoa. The courses are a mixture of workshops, hands-on activities, outdoor adventures and building relationships with likeminded people.

When and where are the next courses?

He Māhuri Tōtara for Leaders
Raglan, 20-22 June 2025 (Matariki weekend)

He Māhuri Tōtara for Youth
Christchurch, 29 Sept - 3 Oct

He Māhuri Tōtara for Leaders
Dunedin, 17-19 Oct 2025

He Māhuri Tōtara Courses

HMT Leaders Course

This course is for young adults and anyone involved in youth ministry — youth pastors and youth leaders who want to be equipped to support young people in their passion to care for creation.

HMT Youth Course

This course is for high-school youth who are passionate about their faith and the environment and want to understand how these are related.

  • Yes! So interesting and emotionally valuable. Through looking at environment, Christianity and Māori events and issues at a close up level and seeing how they interact is an incredible and unique experience.

    - Youth participant

  • Very valuable, it helps a lot for a lot of people. I think it helps put the Christ back in Christian, helping us be Christian and children of God in a way that is often forgotten but is so very important.

    - Youth participant

  • Uniquely eye opening and incredible. Get to think of issues at such a deeper level, as well as look at how Christianity plays a role through all of it. Intellectually, spiritually and socially interesting and challenging.

    - Youth participant

  • An unbeatable experience that changes how you feel about nature and Christianity and helps you to realise how kind people can be.

    - Youth participant

  • Cried my little heart out, and felt real heartache for the world, other people and also my actions. During this session I felt a true sense of belonging and community, and hope for a better future.

    - Youth participant

  • The leaders, the youth, the kaupapa, the content, the activities and devotions were so so special. So much care has been put into creating a safe space for youth to be and grow in. The leaders took the time to listen engage and have great times with the youth.

    - Youth participant

  • It was amazing to connect with other people who hold the same values as me... I wish I could pass my feelings across the screen so you could feel how deeply important this was to me. Having a space to be able to dive into God's word with everyone was wonderful. This space, was something I prayed for a lot, and I always felt God tell me to have patience, it's coming, and you have given that to me... Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    - Youth leader participant

  • I recognise how important it is for Pākehā, Christians, and environmentalists to humbly embrace te ao Māori. Learning te reo and pepeha is a key way of doing this. I appreciated the inclusive learning environment created, where all questions were welcomed.

    - Youth leader participant

  • A time and space to explore God's heart for the world, creation care, from the biblical beginnings to practically acting it out.

    - Youth leader participant

  • Such good quality people, food, surf conditions and theological discussion! I've come away with renewed steadfastness in faith, inspiration in creation care, and connectedness to others who are committed to the same kaupapa.

    - Youth leader participant

Who should register?

This course is for you if you…

  • Have a Christian faith background or is interested in learning more about Christianity.

  • Are passionate about caring for creation.

  • Want to develop your leadership skills.

  • Enjoy outdoor experiences.

  • Are willing to learn and collaborate with others.

  • Have a strong desire to make a positive difference in the world.

He Māhuri Tōtara

In te ao Māori, the Tōtara is a renowned tree. He Tōtara Haemata - a lofty tōtara - is a metaphorical way of speaking about a renowned or distinguished leader. “He māhuri tōtara” is a way of talking about young people or young leaders who have leadership potential but have yet to become mature tōtara.

“Māhuri” means young tree or sapling. When you see a young tōtara, you can see all of the potential of what it will become, but it is yet to reach its potential.

He Māhuri Tōtara is all about creating the type of environment for māhuri tōtara to grow and develop into tōtara haemata. We are passionate about creating environments and spaces where the conditions nurture young leaders, support them to develop deep roots, offer them a network of connections and a plan for future growth.

A Way To Pray: Prayer practices inspired by He Māhuri Tōtara

Many people have times where they find it challenging to connect with God - and if that’s you, you’re not alone. Prayer can be beautiful, but sometimes it can also feel awkward, dry, or God might even feel distant. When this happens, exploring new ways to connect with God - especially through God’s creation - is a beautiful and worthwhile journey. Thankfully, we’re part of a long tradition of Jesus-followers who have discovered all sorts of ways to pray - ways that can open us up to God’s presence in new and life-giving ways.

He Māhuri Tōtara Programme Partners